CNET First Look

Google Drive for Android

The Google Drive app for Android is essentially a beefed-up version of Google Docs, with a little Dropbox mixed in.

1:54 / April 26, 2012

Transcript

Hi.
I'm Jay Mark Cabibi.
Associate editor with Cnet.
Here to take a first look at Google Drive for Android.
If you haven't heard, Google Drive is out and it is essentially Google's answer to drop box.
You can put files in it and it will automatically sync into the clouds so you can access your files anytime from any of your devices.
Now, first thing to mention is that Google Drive actually has replaced the Google docks app for Android.
So, if you've updated the app then you'll notice the new name and icon but don't worry, the new drive app has all of the docks functionality built in.
Just like on the web, Google Drive for Android opens up to your main dash board where you can see all of the files in your drive.
If you want, you can also browse by the categories.
From here, everything should feel familiar, if you used Google Docks.
The lay out is the same, you can rename the leads and add collaborators and you can view and edit the various types of Google Docks files, of course.
To start a new document, tap the button up top here.
One thing you'll notice is that now, with Drive, you can add photos or upload pretty much any kind of file you have on your device and of course you can access any of those files once their on your drive as well and that's really the biggest difference with Drive.
One thing I really like is the ability to make files available offline which is great if you have important documents that you need to access while traveling.
Where I think Google Drive needs to step it up is sharing.
With Drop box, I could share files with friends by creating a download link for them and unfortunately, Google Drive can't do that.
Overall, Google Drive for Android is solid.
It's nothing ground breaking really but it works.
I haven't run into any problems with thinking or accessing my files and all the docks functionality is great.
Again, I'm Jay Mark Cabibi and this is Google Drive for Android.

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